This study serves the purpose of underpinning the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European Continent adopted at the 12th session of the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning of the Council of Europe Member States (CEMAT), held in Hanover in September 2000. They aim to identify regional planning measures which may enable the population in all the member states of the Council of Europe to achieve a better standard of living. This is an essentiel prerequisite for stabilising democratic structures in the towns, cities and regions.
The study shows that public-private partnerships (PPP) can be suitable tool for carrying out spatial development measures. Public-private partnerships are not, however, a substitute for efficient administration at local and regional level.